In a letter, seen by Reuters, the ministers wrote to EU climate change commissioner Connie Hedegaard and energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger to say that the introduction of a target would cut fossil fuel use and boost jobs and economic growth.

They wrote: “A target for renewable energy is crucial to provide certainty that can ensure cost-effective investments in energy systems that will strengthen the internal market for energy.”

Reuters reported that the EU is considering a 40 per cent emissions reduction target and a 30 per cent renewables goal.

On 22 January, the European Commission is expected to launch a two-year legislative process on 2030 targets.

However, this will be opposed by the UK, which favours a single greenhouse gas emissions target for 2030.